New Bank Notes Help Funding for Metastatic Cancer

Thanks to a trailblazing campaign focusing on metastatic breast cancer – The Cancer Currency – Europa Donna, the European Breast Cancer Coalition, and VML Health have helped ensure, for the first time, specific recognition and funding for metastatic cancer within Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan.

Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is incurable and 20-30% of all breast cancer patients go on to develop MBC – in addition to the 10% who are diagnosed with MBC from the onset. Despite this prevalence, many breast cancer policies (and subsequent support, budgets and investment) focus predominantly on prevention, detection, and the early stages of the cancer.

The Cancer Currency campaign was created to prove those living with MBC still have value, and demand greater investment into the disease. The stories that drive the campaign are told using a universal language known around the world - money. Specifically, a suite of banknotes that celebrate the stories of 5 women and the years they have lived with MBC. Designed by banknote designer Brian Thompson - the man behind the current US $50 and $100 bill – the banknotes mirror the unique identifiers of other currencies and were developed using the same design craft to retain as much authenticity as possible.

The women of the campaign presented their bank notes to Stella Kyriakides, the European Commissioner for health food and safety, at Europa Donna’s annual conference. They called for urgent action to prioritise metastatic breast cancer on the policy agenda, campaigning for 4 specific improvements in awareness, data collection, treatment access and social and psychological support. In response, Stella Kyriakides announced the first specific funding allocation for metastatic breast cancer.

Building on this initial success, Europa Donna is using The Cancer Currency campaign to call on legislators and policymakers across Europe to do more to address the disease as a health policy priority by implementing these four demands.

Although The Cancer Currency campaign showcased the immense value of 5 women, sadly one of the women, Simona Ahcin, passed away from her disease last year, and never made it to the stage. To represent her life and part in the campaign, her sister and daughter joined the 4 remaining women, delivering a poignant reminder of the importance of time and speed of action.

There are significant gaps in healthcare policies and legislation for those living with metastatic breast cancer, with people unable to access critical support and treatment based on their needs. I am delighted with this fantastic result. Without doubt, the creativity behind the campaign, coupled with our five wonderful ambassadors, has helped to reach this landmark commitment from the European Commission. This is a long road, and we could not walk it without the help of our patients, members, and creative partners.Marzia ZambonExecutive Director, Europa Donna

Claire Gillis, CEO VML Health comments:

“We are privileged to work alongside such progressive campaigners in oncology. Europa Donna and these five ladies are inspirational, and we are united in our commitment and passion to improve outcomes for MBC patients. Putting it simply, metastatic breast cancer has never had the awareness or commitment it deserves. We need to change that, and we’ll use every creative bone in our bodies to make it happen.”

For more information on the Cancer Currency campaign, please visit www.thecancercurrency.com.

About Europa Donna

The European Breast Cancer Coalition, is an independent non-profit organisation comprised of 47 affiliated member groups from across Europe. The Coalition works to raise awareness of breast cancer, and to mobilise the support of European women in pressing for improved breast cancer education, appropriate screening, optimal treatment, and increased funding for research.

For more information, please visit www.europadonna.org, and follow them on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.